It's all about looking good.
Those hopeful of seeing some hint of radical styling, racy curves, seductive nips, tucks and folds will have to look elsewhere. Yamaha has definitely revised the look presented by the Crux with some glaring and subtle changes. The headlamp of the CruxR retracts from the circular mould which lent more of a naked rustic appeal to the Crux very similar to the RX-100. In place is a rectangular reflector picked from the Yamaha parts bin which also adorned the YBX and the YD-125. To add oomph a fibre shroud envelops the headlamp. Though not a class leading act the racy darts stickered across the flanks of the headlamp provide visual relief to what would else be a carbon copy of the Splendor headlamp add-on. The same theme is carried across the tank and panniers and exemplifies the superior quality of finish. Trademark Yamaha!
Revised indicators in rectangular shaped assembly complement the look of the front. The front mudguard is tapered at both ends to enhance style and shed a few pounds thanks to the wonders of glass fibre. Another significant change has come about in the instrument cluster. The cylindrical twin pods of the Crux are history. Instead the CruxR employs a rectangular console housing the speedometer and tachometer in addition to the sissy lights which now find space outside the pods. A large space above the pods adorns the Yamaha masthead which could have been better used to seat the fuel gauge. Further behind the contours of the fuel tank and panniers on the CruxR follow the same lines as the Crux with a dose of new graphics. The fuel tank and panniers flow smoothly into the upswept rear end. Revisions here include the fibre tailpiece that incorporates the tail lamp and the seat remodelled to adhere to the shapely rear end. The CruxR retains an upright riding position with the handlebars tucked close to the rider, comfortable over short or long hauls.
Amidst a horde of all the revamped bikes in circulation the CruxR will not draw a second glance. Up close it is easier to appreciate subtleties of the design revisions. Fit and finish remain superlative. Never doubting the quality of Yamaha products I rode the bike to Mahabaleshwar and back besides doing test runs and jaunts, and am yet to hear a rattle or squeak.